[Interview] Lee Kwang-jae, "I Will Make Gangwon-do the Switzerland with a Sea"... Confidence in a Comeback

Published 31 May.2022 06:00(KST)

"Expansion of Transportation Networks, Educational Competitiveness, and Creation of Future-Oriented Cities, Gangwon-do's Prime Era"
"Competitiveness is Truth, Gangwon-do Develops by Choosing People over Parties"

Kwang-jae Lee, Democratic Party of Korea Candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province [Kwang-jae Lee Candidate Election Camp]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-chul] As the June 1 local elections enter their final stage, Lee Kwang-jae, the Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province, is confident of overturning the polls by emphasizing his personal qualities.

He highlighted the special leadership required for the era of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. He believes that the residents will choose him, who has shown tangible results, loves Gangwon, and has devoted his fate to working for the province.

In particular, as an education-focused governor who nurtures local talent, he expressed his ambition to solve the problems of Gangwon education and create a Gangwon that surpasses Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Sejong Special City, attracting people nationwide to move to Gangwon.

Additionally, he revealed plans to revitalize tourism by transforming the wildfire-affected areas of Yeongdong into national tourist destinations, attract businesses, and create jobs for young people. To secure the budget that will serve as a catalyst for regional development, he said he would lead the central government and not hesitate to cooperate across party lines.

Our publication met with candidate Lee Kwang-jae, who is aiming for a dramatic comeback in the final stages of the election, to hear about his pledges and ambitions on how to sway the votes of Gangwon residents. [Editor’s note]

- If elected, what promises will you definitely keep during your term?

"I will complete the framework of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and become a governor focused on jobs, education, and welfare. Secondly, there is the 'Switzerland Project with a Sea.' On 150 million pyeong (approximately 495 square kilometers) of fire-damaged land in the Yeongdong region, which suffers from annual wildfires and floods, I will create an ecological hub park and a resort city, making Gangwon a place worth seeing, with vacation homes, attractions, and jobs. Thirdly, I will become an education governor. I will establish the best education system from early childhood through elementary, middle, high school, and university levels. I will create a Gangwon full of talent. When companies come, we must create places where people can work. Gangwon will become a strong province with talented people. I will be the education governor."

- What are the problems of the stagnant Gangwon economy and its growth drivers?

The first factor that hindered Gangwon’s development was various regulations. When I was governor 12 years ago, there were too many restrictions citing water source protection, forest conservation, and military zones. With the passage of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Act, these regulations will be lifted, and with a solid expansion of the railway network, Gangwon will inevitably experience explosive growth. Gangwon is a land of potential. Infinite opportunities are alive here. There are mountains, lakes, and the sea. While the metropolitan area suffers from overpopulation, Gangwon has vast areas and beautiful nature. These are factors that naturally attract the younger generation. Recently, people have been flocking to the East Coast, including Yangyang. It is possible to balance work and rest. Life trends are changing rapidly, and surprisingly, Gangwon is becoming a focus of attention. If we do not miss this trend, establish an industrial base, expand transportation networks, enhance educational competitiveness, and create future-oriented cities, the golden age of Gangwon will open."

- How do you analyze the sentiment of Gangwon residents?

"At the beginning of the election, the ruling party theory was strong. After three debates and an agricultural debate, the focus shifted to personal qualities. Now, when I high-five with the campaign workers of the People Power Party and independents, the personal quality theory saying 'The governor should be Lee Kwang-jae' is spreading. 'He quit being a member of the National Assembly, but shouldn’t we make Lee Kwang-jae governor and use him to develop Gangwon?' 'Isn’t Lee Kwang-jae the leading candidate of Gangwon?' 'We need to nurture Lee Kwang-jae.' 'It would be a big problem if he loses this time.' I think this personal quality theory among residents is growing. And I am confident of a comeback. If I overturn the polls, the entire nation will probably look at Gangwon differently again."

- What is your competitiveness as a candidate and the key battleground in Gangwon elections?

"I believe my competitiveness lies in sincerity. When I speak, I consider my words as laws and make relentless efforts to keep them. That is my strength. The key battleground is not the party but the person to be elected for Gangwon’s development... That is why I have a party I work with. Because making a living is most important, there is the 'restaurant,' because educating children is important, there is the 'Seodang' (traditional village school), and for the elderly to live comfortably, there is the 'Gyeongnodang' (senior center). If we combine 'restaurant,' 'Seodang,' and 'Gyeongnodang,' I think we will win."

- There are many perennial candidates who run every local and general election

"Whether one runs many times or few times, the important thing is what vision and achievements they are prepared with. Although I am a first-term candidate, I can work with sparkling ideas and rich political imagination, while on the other hand, there are multi-term perennial candidates who just maintain their position without much impact. Running is a personal freedom and judged by elections anyway. What matters is what you do after the election and what changes."

- Korean politics is increasingly experiencing deepening conflicts

"The gap of conflict in Korean society is too deep. I think politics fails to reflect the diverse voices and perspectives of the people. Also, there is a lack of respect for differences and efforts to solve livelihood issues together. As senior Kim Young-choon said, we must now shift from grand discourse to everyday politics. We need politics that carefully examines the reality where the country is prosperous but the people’s lives are difficult and finds solutions."

- What is your view on the media?

"The era when media enlightened the public is over. Now, it is a world where people express their opinions in lively formats on various platforms. The amount of information has increased, and the important issue now is how to obtain high-quality information. In such times, the media must be able to provide trust to people. Even if it is difficult to exert influence as before, if the media has in-depth reporting and high-level writing skills, people will recognize the media’s function and role. At the same time, as overseas media like The New York Times pursue at the forefront, we should also adopt digital strategies."

- Any message you want to give to Gangwon residents?

"To the residents of Gangwon, this is Lee Kwang-jae, a son of Gangwon, greeting you. Because the sea loves the land, the waves are said to be letters written every day. I am writing a daily love letter to the residents of Gangwon. I am writing a love letter saying, 'Dear residents of Gangwon, I love you. I want to work.' Please give Lee Kwang-jae the opportunity to work. I will repay you with a great Gangwon."